** Indicates rolling admission application process. Applicants will be immediately notified of acceptance into this program and be able to complete post-decision materials prior to the term's application deadline.

Exploring Puerto Rico will provide WSU students the opportunity to study Puerto Rico’s rich culture, history, and gastronomy while being completely immersed in the Spanish language during a two-week stay in the Caribbean. Puerto Rico has been formed by many cultures: Taíno, Spanish, and African.

During the program, participants will visit historical places, museums, cathedrals, and unique eco-touristic sites, such as el Yunque, the only tropical rain forest in the United States, bioluminescent bays, and picturesque beaches. The students will participate in a cooking workshop so that they can learn about the many culinary influences of criollo cooking.

Michelle Cipriano, MA & Dorothy Álvarez, MA, MBA & are senior lecturers of Spanish in the Department of Modern Languages. Dorothy is a native of Puerto Rico and Michelle has studied and lived in Spain. Since 2002, Dorothy and Michelle have led a collective total of eight successful Ambassador programs to Costa Rica and Spain. They are very excited to provide this academic program in the Caribbean for Wright State students. As program advisors, both have witnessed the benefits of faculty led study-abroad programs, including improved language skills and cultural sensitivity, along with a deeper understanding of history and the arts. Professors Álvarez and Cipriano’s combined areas of research include: Spanish Language Children’s Literature, Hispanic and Spanish Literature and Cultures, Phonetics, Translation, Pedagogy, and Caribbean Studies.

While in Puerto Rico, students will be provided with some meals and will be responsible to pay their own for others. Students will also have multiple opportunities to explore and try the local cuisine. Students will share rooms in hotels and hostels.

Eligible students will have completed the equivalent of Spanish 1020 before departure (placement test scores are an acceptable substitute), have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and one letter of recommendation from a university or high school teacher. All applicants will meet with the professors for an interview before being accepted into the program.

Students will meet as a group 3 times during Spring Semester and they will attend 3 classes during Summer A prior to the trip to Puerto Rico.
Students will be required by the University Center for International Education to complete a mandatory pre-departure orientation online a few weeks before departure.

Students will be responsible for purchasing their own airfare and are highly encouraged to be on the same flight to arrive at the same time as the faculty program advisors. Students are free to leave early or stay later on the island as long as they do not miss any mandatory classes. Also, the participants should be aware that this time is not part of the program and not covered by WSU insurances.
UCIE recommends the following travel agencies that work with university students. They may be able to provide payment plan options: STA Travel and Student Universe.

WSU financial aid is applicable to this program. To learn more about your specific financial aid options you should contact the Financial Aid Representative, Gail Cyan, at gail.cyan@wright.edu to schedule an appointment and learn about your specific situation.

Some academic departments offer scholarships for study abroad, there are some scholarships available nationally as well. Please ask your study abroad coordinator for more information.

Many students reach out to family, friends, and community and religious organizations for support. Some choose to create an online funding site, others send out letters requesting support.

Puerto Rico is commonwealth of the USA and a passport is NOT required for US citizens to travel to Puerto Rico. Students will need an ID such as as drivers licence to board the airplane in Ohio and to enter Puerto Rico. If you do not hold a US passport, please contact the UCIE program advisor for assistance.